Regulations

The mission of UC Merced Transportation and Parking Services is to support the academic, research, and public service efforts of the UC Merced campus by providing transportation, parking services, circulation,and associated infrastructure in a convenient, reliable, safe, efficient, cost-effective, customer-focused and environmentally-responsible manner.

Table of Contents

UC Merced parking regulations are designed to promote the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the boundaries of the UC Merced campus in conformance with local, state, federal and all other regulatory codes. UC Merced is authorized through the California Vehicle Code Section 21113 (a) to establish independent parking regulations. All parking regulations are enforced through citations issued by UC Merced's Transportation and Parking Services. The Regents of the University are not and shall not be liable under any circumstances for the loss or damage to vehicles or contents thereof parked or garaged, in a lot or structure, by fire, theft or any other cause whatsoever not arising directly from the negligent acts of the Regents of the University or its employees acting within the scope of their employment. The University reserves the right to restrict the use of any parking stall, area, structure or surface lot at any time and temporarily or permanently relocate permit holders as necessary.

The University reserves the right to refuse issuance of parking permits and to revoke parking permits. The University reserves the right to change parking assignments or privileges as deemed necessary, and to temporarily or permanently relocate permit holders as necessary. The University reserves the right to restrict access to any parking space, area, structure or surface lot at any time. The University reserves the right to determine hours of control and access. The University reserves the right to boot or tow any vehicle which blocks any parking space, area, structure, surface lot or driveway, or displays an altered or fictitious permit.

In 1960 the California legislature approved California's plan for higher education. The plan designated University of California Parking Departments as self supported auxiliary enterprises. Due to this designation, UC parking facilities must be user funded. In general, no state, federal or University funds are to be used to support UC campus parking systems.

Under the authority delegated to Parking Services by the Regents of the University of California, no individual department other than Parking Services may grant parking privileges on campus. All parking permits and access cards issued to users of the parking system remain the property of the University. All vehicles parked on University property must park in a marked parking space with license plate(s) clearly visible. When a vehicle is issued two license plates, California Vehicle Code 5200 requires both plates be attached to the vehicle. When one plate is used, it must be placed on the rear of the vehicle and parked such that the plate(s) remain visible for parking enforcement at all times while on campus. Parking in unmarked, non-designated areas is prohibited. There is no overnight parking.  No camping allowed. 

The operator of a motor vehicle is responsible for complying with parking laws and regulations and is subject to the established penalties for violation. If the responsible party cannot be determined, e.g., in the case of a parked vehicle, the registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for the violation.

The inability to locate a parking space is not considered valid justification for the violation of University parking regulations. Personal notes or explanations left on vehicles do not justify violation of University regulations.

Parking on campus is viewed as a privilege. Transportation and Parking Services has the right to refuse, revoke, or deny parking privileges. The University assumes no responsibility for any vehicle or its content which is parked on UC Merced property. Parking regulations may change without prior notice.

Every vehicle, including those with specialized license plates or disabled placards operated by employees of UC Merced not otherwise exempt that occupies a parking space designated for an automobile or motorcycle, must have paid parking or a valid permit in accordance with the regulations posted. Commercially-licensed vehicles are not required to display parking permits when engaged in the act of loading or unloading within a designated loading zone, but cannot park in a load or unload zone. University and official local, state or federal government licensed vehicles do not need a permit when on official business. Officials using private vehicles must pay to park unless the government agency has made prior arrangements with UC Merced. Parking permits are the property of the University, are non-transferable (for use by the registered permit holder only) and may not be resold. Violations of these regulations will result in possible legal or disciplinary action and restitution as applicable.

Please note:

• License plate information is required prior to purchase.

• All outstanding citations must be paid in full prior to permit distribution.

Virtual 

A virtual permit may have more than one license plate assigned; however only one registered license plate is permitted to use the virtual parking permit at a time.

• Permit holders are responsible for the accuracy of vehicle plate information. Vehicles with inaccurate license plate registration are subject to citation. 

Permit Display

All hanging-style permits shall be hung from the inside rear view mirror, facing forward. Parking permits may be otherwise displayed in the driver's-side front windshield provided that all permit information is clearly visible. Failure to display permits in the above manner may result in the issuance of a parking citation for improper permit display.

Carpool Permits

A registered UC Merced carpool consists of two or more people (faculty/staff/student) sharing one car for the majority of their commute trips to campus. A Carpool application for the entire carpool must be completed. Each carpool group will be assigned one Carpool permit. The permit should be clearly displayed on the driver's side front windshield or dashboard. Occasional one-time use only parking permits will be available to each carpool member that has a vehicle registered with the carpool. Carpool participants are restricted from purchasing general use monthly or semester permits.

• A carpool permit may have more than one license plate assigned; however only one registered license plate is permitted to use the carpool parking permit at a time. Unless, utilizing an authorized one-time use clean air card permit.

All members must be registered UC Merced students. Members must ride together at least three (3) days per week (Monday-Friday). Each member with a registered vehicle may receive up to twelve (12) occasional one-time use only permits per academic year. Each carpool participant must complete and sign the application form. All members must be present with their class and/or work schedule when turning in the application. 

All members must be UC Merced faculty, staff, or graduate students. Members must ride together at least three (3) days per week (Monday-Friday). Each member with a registered vehicle may receive a packet of occasional one-time use only permits per permit cycle. Each carpool participant must complete and sign the application form. All members must be present when turning in the application.

Day use and short-term permits must be displayed face up on the driver side dashboard. All permit information must be clearly visible through the front windshield. Failure to display permits in the above manner may result in the issuance of a parking citation for improper display.

Parking permits are the property of the University, are nontransferable (for use by registered permit holder only), and may not be resold. Violations of the regulations may result in disciplinary and/or criminal prosecution. When parking on campus, permits must be properly displayed so the permit number and expiration date are clearly visible to Parking Compliance Officers.

UC Merced honors all quarterly and annual faculty/staff parking permits from other University of California campuses. You may park in any of the non-specially marked "general" spaces in any lot. Such permits are not valid for parking in Reserved, Carpool, University Business or disability parking spaces.

Enforcement hours for permits apply to the following areas:

• University Lot, Calaveras Lot, H Zones and Specially marked spaces
  • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Le Grand Lot, Library Lots 1 and 2 and Bellevue Lot - Gold Zone
  • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
• North Bowl, ECEC, P3, Scholars and Bellevue Lot - Green Zone
  • 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday

Parking privileges are restricted to designated locations on campus with a valid permit issued by Transportation and Parking Services.

Non-specially marked spaces may be utilized without a parking permit during holidays and after-hours parking. Parking areas that are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week are always enforced for proper parking permits. Please review the Permit Display section for information regarding proper permit display.

All vehicles parked on University property must utilize marked spaces. In paved lots, parking spaces are designated by white lines on the roadway and/or yellow markers and numbers painted on the roadway. In temporary (dirt) lots, parking spaces are designated by yellow markers and/or white “PARK” signs with black lines and arrows (vehicles must park between the black lines with the arrows pointing inward at the vehicle.) 

Parking is prohibited in any area not specifically marked as a designated parking space. This includes but is not limited to: planted and natural landscapes, sidewalks, service drives, driveways and parking lot drive aisles, pedestrian crossings, ramps for disabled access, bus zones, red, yellow, white and unmarked curbs and posted no parking zones.

The following are 24 hour enforcement zones: disabled parking, fire lanes, red zones, undesignated areas, contractor lots, timed and metered spaces, service vehicle spaces, Carpool, Reserved, University Business spaces and any other specially marked spaces or lots.

Disabled Parking

All disabled parking spaces and zones are enforced 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. A disabled visitor may park in any disabled parking space or non-specially marked space while displaying a valid DMV-issued disabled parking placard and a valid UC Merced parking permit. Vehicles driven by any UC Merced faculty, staff, and/or student must also display both a valid DMV-issued parking placard and a valid UC Merced parking permit and are authorized to utilize any disabled space or non-specially marked space. Disabled parking placards are not valid in spaces marked "reserved" or otherwise specially marked.

Visitor Parking

University visitors may obtain parking permits at the self-service dispensers available at various campus locations. Permits are valid in lots designated on the permit. Visitor spaces are to be utilized by those individuals not affiliated with the University. Faculty, staff, and students are not permitted to park in any visitor space. Please note students that are not enrolled in summer classes are still considered students and may not utilize any visitor space or faculty/staff parking spaces.

Fire Lanes and Red Zones

All roads and driveways on the UC Merced campus are considered fire lanes and must be kept unobstructed and available to emergency response vehicles at all times. Access to fire hydrants must also be maintained at all times. Any vehicle presenting a hazard by obstructing a fire lane or fire hydrant will be cited and/or towed immediately. A vehicle may not park or stop at a red curb. Red zones indicate a fire lane or emergency vehicle access route.

Loading Docks

Loading dock parking restrictions vary throughout campus based on the needs of the departments serviced. Vehicle operators are responsible for adhering to posted permit requirements.

Passenger Loading/Unloading

The loading or unloading of passengers is strictly prohibited in any area that restricts the flow of traffic. These areas include, but are not limited to: roadways, fire lanes, stop signs, loading docks and any location specified by signage. Vehicles left unattended in designated passenger loading/unloading zones are subject to citation.

Specially Marked Spaces

All parking spaces marked Reserved or otherwise specially marked are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (proper permit required). These spaces include, but are not limited to: Contractor Lots, Carpool spaces, University Business spaces, Personal Parking Meter and Service Vehicle spaces. Disabled placard holders are not eligible to park in these spaces.

E-Plate Vehicles

University and official local, state or federal government licensed vehicles may park in all non-specially marked parking spaces. Such vehicles may not park in Reserved spaces, specially marked spaces, or metered spaces. E-plate vehicles may park in Service Vehicle spaces when providing a needed or requested service. Services include, but are not limited to: mail delivery, building maintenance, and heavy or awkward item delivery.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

All vehicles parked in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations must be actively charging and/or maintain an active session once charging is complete. Customers who deactivate or end the session but remain parked in EV spaces will be cited. For more information on electric vehicle charging stations see here.

All vehicles must park in parking spaces with the flow of traffic.

Motorcycle, Moped, Motorized Bicycle and Scooter Parking

All motorcycles, mopeds, motorized bicycles and scooters must park in spaces designated for motorcycles.

Bicycle Parking

No person shall park, store or leave a bicycle in such a manner as to block or otherwise impede normal entrance to or exit from any building. No bicycle shall be parked, stored or left within six feet of an entrance or exit unless a bicycle rack, parking devise or marked bicycle space is provided within said distance. No bicycle shall be parked, stored or left on any building access or egress ramp.

Parking Access

UC Merced Transportation and Parking Services may temporarily close or modify any parking space or facility. Every attempt will be made to provide adequate advance notice. Any vehicle entering a barricaded area or passing a barricade may be cited, immobilized (booted) or towed.

Possession of an unauthorized permit may result in criminal charges (fraud) in accordance with California Penal Code 488 or 496 (Petty Theft or Receiving and/or Possession of Stolen Properties). Students, staff, faculty or visitors in possession of an unauthorized permit will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action or to the Department of Public Safety. A permit is considered lost or stolen when the original purchaser reports it as stolen, missing or destroyed to UC Merced Transportation and Parking Services.

Any permit with changes to its shape, color, working design or designation is an altered permit. Altered permits are void and subject to citation. The reproduction of a permit is not permitted.

The University of California is authorized to enforce parking regulations and issue citations for violations pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21113a. Citation revenue supports UC Merced's Alternative Transportation program and the shuttle services. Citation revenue is not used for the construction, operation, maintenance or administration of parking facilities.

The UC Merced citation appeals process conforms to the process directed by California Assembly Bill 408 and California Vehicle Code 40215. Appeals must be submitted within 21 calendar days from the issue date of the citation. After the 21 day deadline has passed the opportunity to contest the citation is forfeited.

If a citation is not paid or appealed within the 21 calendar day deadline, a late penalty will be applied and possible notification to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

A DMV hold may be placed on a vehicle's registration if a citation remains unpaid after the 21 calendar day deadline. This restricts the ability to register the vehicle until all citations are paid in full.

Citations become delinquent when unpaid after the 21 calendar day deadline. Vehicles with five or more unpaid delinquent citations are subject to impoundment at the owner's expense under the authority of the California Vehicle Code, Section 22651 (i). Vehicles will be immobilized (booted) when displaying an altered, lost or stolen permit. Parked, abandoned, or disabled vehicles creating a safety hazard or restricting access may be towed.

Personal checks or credit cards will not be accepted as payment for immobilized or towed vehicles. A $50 fee will be charged to remove the boot. Any damage to an immobilization device shall make the offender liable for the destruction of University property. Vehicles remaining immobilized for 24 hours will be towed at the owner's expense.

Any comments or questions? Email taps@ucmerced.edu.